Human Events

Obese NYC Councilman Crusades Against Happy Meals

The laugh of the day comes courtesy of a morbidly obese New York City Councilman named Leroy Comrie, who hasn’t garnered this much attention since his efforts to ban the N-word four years ago. This is typical fare for what I’ve long considered the most useless political body in the country. For those not from the region, the NYC Council is composed of 51 members, 47 of whom are Democrats. Meaning to get any attention, they all play Can You Top This, whereby each member introduces legislation even loonier than his predecessor. If you need an example of how truly useless they are, here’s one of their more recognizable alumni.

Now if we’re to even begin taking Comrie seriously, shouldn’t he at least try to lose 100 pounds first before lecturing us on the evils of Happy Meals?

“Clearly, my weight has always been an issue, and it’s something that has given me the impetus to do this bill.”

Perhaps to add weight (no pun intended) to his argument he could roll out a more svelte co-sponsor.

Not that we expect any reporters to notice, but Comrie is also lying when he claims he ate Happy Meals as a kid. “The councilman, who is himself overweight, says he gobbled down Happy Meals and other fast food as a child.”

While we have no reason to believe Comrie’s ever skipped a meal, according to our math he’s currently at least 52 years old, as this page notes he’s a 1976 high school graduate. One problem with his claim: Happy Meals weren’t created until June 1979, when he was at least 21 years old. He obviously was stuffing his face with something else as a child, but we doubt it was a healthy portion of apple sticks.

Assuming this absurd legislation passes, expect onerous penalties for violating the orders of the Food Police.

Penalties would be steep: between $200 to $2,500 for repeat restaurant offenders who use toys to sell unhealthy meals.

Comrie said fast food restaurants know exactly what they’re doing.

“It comes as no surprise that these ads and meals are also targeted in low income and minority neighborhoods that are already at risk for childhood obesity. These are the same communities that have limited access to supermarkets, limited access to healthy food options,” Comrie said.

Perhaps Comrie’s time would be better spent addressing why supermarkets are unwilling to open business in his neighborhood. And if he’s so concerned about access, why does the NYC Council so vehemently oppose Wal-Mart opening stores in the city?